Fastener assembly serving as a product, or combined with other components as a product, allows automatic controlled movements in one direction and prevents movements in the opposite direction when forces are applied

ABSTRACT

A fastener assembly  10 , in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces is applied in one direction, this fastener assembly  10  is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travel or actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction, this fastener assembly  10  is not self adjusting and there is no travel or actuation.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/200,444, filed Jul.23, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,951,078, which is a division of applicationSer. No. 09/737,952, filed Dec. 18, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,494,654,which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/964,285,filed Nov. 4, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,161,350, which claims thepriority benefit of Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/030,286, filedNov. 4, 1996.

BACKGROUND HISTORY

In the development of lock detent mechanisms which provide a movement inone direction and prevent movement in the opposite direction, Hendricks,U.S. Pat. No. 2,388,056, shows an adjustable stool or the like furniturearticle which can be moved in one direction and locked against movementin the other direction by means of a ball detent type construction. Arelease mechanism is provided. Aldridge also shows a detent lockmechanism of a general type in which there are a pair of sleeves withrecesses on both sides for receiving a third member. The mechanismoperates in one direction and locks in the opposite direction but can bereleased by a release spring.

Shiga, U.S. Pat. No. 5,549,011, discloses a three member structureproviding inner and outer members which are recessed and provide lockingin one direction and adjustment in the other direction for the thirdmember which can be, by centrifugal force moved into a “fish hook” likepocket, so that movement in one direction can be made.

Stotler, U.S. Pat. No. 5,339,894, discloses a mechanism used in oilwells in which there are two sleeves and a third member such as a ballbetween the two sleeves. Pockets in each of the sleeves are provided forthe ball and are designed so that movement of one sleeve in onedirection will permit the ball to travel and lodge in the other sleeveand prevent the sleeves from movement when reversed direction is appliedto the first movable sleeve. The primary difficulties with these variousdevelopments has been the failure of the locking member to properly fitinto the lock mode causing damage or shifting of the sleeve membersrelative to each other or which requires manual manipulation which canbe difficult at times requiring additional tooling to get it released inorder to provide adjustment.

SUMMARY

When this fastener assembly either is serving directly as a product, orthis fastener is combined with other components as a product, then afterthe installation thereof when a force is applied in one direction, thisfastener assembly is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travelor actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction,this fastener assembly is not self adjusting and there is no travel oractuation.

This fastener assembly, and respective embodiments, is arranged incylindrical, arcuate, tubular and planar configurations. There are atleast three members in each embodiment. There is a first member and asecond member, which under a force of sufficient magnitude applied inone direction, will move relative to one another a preset distance, toawait another force of sufficient magnitude of like direction to cause alike relative movement through another preset distance, thereafterrepeating the sequences of relative movements in respect to respectivedesigned embodiments, in this same one direction of the applied force.Yet, any force applied in the opposite direction, will not cause anyessential opposite direction of the relative movement between the firstmember and second member.

This controlled one direction movement, centers on the utilization ofthe alternate positioning of a third member, called the locking member,which is controllably confined by both the first member and secondmember, when they are closely spaced apart in the assembled fastenerassembly. During the preset locking positions, the locking member ispartially received internally respectively in both the first member andthe second member.

Any attempt to apply a force at this relative position of the firstmember and second member, in the opposite direction, is prevented, asthis third member serves as the locking member, by being partiallyextending internally into both the first member and the second member.Yet when a wanted self adjusting force of sufficient magnitude isapplied, the first member and second member are moved sufficiently, sothe first member fully receives internally the locking member, whichthen has been moved clear of the second member.

The first member has a full receiving volume with a cam surface to guideand to fully receive the third member, then positioned out in thelocking position. The second member has a partial receiving volume witha cam surface to guide and to partially receive the third member intothe locking position.

In this embodiment of only the three members, the third member must beresilient enough to be either expanded or contracted from apre-installed relaxed state, so when installed, the third member willalways be attempting, via the stored energy thereof, to return to thelocked position thereof, when partially extending internally into boththe first member and the second member, to keep from moving, onerelative to the other.

In some other embodiments, the third member is not resilient, such as aspherical locking member, an arcuate locking member, or a linear lockingmember. In these embodiments, when the third member is non-resilient,then a fourth member, having resiliency and sufficient stored energy, isneeded to complete an embodiment of the particular fastener assembly,having at least four members. This fourth member will be positionedinside the first member in the locale of the full receiving volumethereof, to movably be always ready to direct the locking member, i.e.the third member, into the locking position thereof, when partiallyextending into both the respective volumes of the first member andsecond member.

In some other embodiments, when the third member is a resilient lockingmember, the first member is formed of two parts, which are movablerelative to one another. Each of these two parts have both partialreceiving volumes and partial cam surfaces. When the two parts are movedsubstantially apart, from a total locking configuration, clearance isprovided to fully receive the third member, which via the stored energythereof, moves fully into the clearance volume of this first member,formed of two parts. Then the first and second members may be movedrelative to one another free of incremental stops. However, when the twoparts are moved only a short distance part from a total lockingconfiguration, relative movement in one direction is essentiallyprevented, and relative movement in the opposite direction is undertakenin incremental movements between locking positions.

In some other embodiments, when the third member is a resilient lockingmember, the second member is formed of two parts, which are movablerelative to one another. One of these two parts has a partial receivingvolume. When the two parts are moved directly together, in contact withone another, then the locking member is directed completely into thereceiving volume of the first member, and the first member and thesecond member are relatively moved freely in either direction. When thetwo parts are moved apart a short distance, then relative movement soonpermits the resilient third member to be positioned partially in boththe first member and the second member having the two parts, lockingthese first and second members together, preventing relative movement ineither direction. Then when the two parts of the second member are movedfarther apart, then the relative movement in the one relative movementdirection, soon permits the resilient third member to be movedcompletely into the receiving volume of the first part to permit anincremental movement until the next locking position is reached. Yet arelative movement in the opposite direction results in quickly reachinga locking position of the first and second parts, before any substantialincremental movements occurs.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide a one way adjustmentmechanism which will work under adverse conditions such as earthquakes,high winds and the like prevailing on building structures or other typesof equipment including adjustment mechanisms in tooling, machinery,furniture and the like.

Another object of this invention is to provide a system which willprevent uplifting in walls while compensating for settlement, shrinkage,or compression loading and permits continual ratcheting downward of thefastener assembly.

Another object of this invention is to provide a system which willcompensate for wood shrinkage and compression loading.

Yet further object of this invention is to provide a mechanism whichwill remain tight after cyclic loading.

Still a further object of this invention is to provide a fastenerassembly which will provide a straight load path to a foundation anchorof a building or the like.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a fastener assemblyused in seismic hold downs that help prevent uplift which separates awood frame building from its foundation during an earthquake or highwinds since a typical hold down will experience somewhere in the rangeof ¼ inch to ½ inch of shrinkage at each floor connection.

A further object of this invention is to provide a fastener assemblywhich will be actuated in 0.07 inch increments (less that one half of aninch) with a force of only about 15 pounds and with an ultimate loadranging from about 39,000 pounds to about 120,000 pounds using rod sizesfrom about ⅜ inch rods to about 1 inch rods.

A further object of this invention is to provide a fastener assemblywhich enhances lateral structural stability of building or the like andwhich exceeds the strength of the surrounding wood members.

Yet another further object of this invention is to provide a fastenerassembly hold down which far surpasses existing strap or rod hold downsystems.

Yet another further object of this invention is to provide a fastenerassembly which is inexpensive and readily manufactured and of simpleassembly.

These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent fromthe following description including the drawings in which:

DRAWINGS

Some of the various embodiments of this fastener assembly, whichthemselves are a final assembly, and also which are incorporated inother assemblies, which in turn are either final assemblies, or aresubsequently installed in other final assemblies, structures, machineryor products, are illustrated in the drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D are partial sectional views showing in sequenceof operation a portion of a preferred embodiment having threecomponents, also referred to as three members, having a first member,also referred to as a receiver component, a second member, also referredto as an engagement component, a third member, also referred to as alocking component, with the first member having a full receiving volumewith a cam surface to guide and to fully receive the third member, withthe second member having a partial receiving volume with a cam surfaceto guide and to partially receive the third member, and with the thirdmember being resilient and either being expanded or contracted, wheninstalled, depending on the overall configuration of the three memberembodiment, to thereafter, when confined between the first and secondmembers, to be always trying to return to the relaxed pre-installationconfiguration thereof, and in so doing to be always tending to move intothe locking position thereof, preventing the relative movement of thefirst and second members, positively keeping them from relative movementin one direction, regardless of the magnitude of the force beingapplied, and allowing only incremented relative movements in theopposite direction in the presence of a sufficient force being appliedin this opposite direction;

FIG. 2, is a partial sectional view of a portion of a preferredembodiment having three components, also referred to as three members,as somewhat similarly illustrated in FIG. 1A, showing, however, how thesecond members also called the engagement component, has multiplepartial receiving volumes, each with a cam surface, to guide and topartially receive the third member into the respective incrementallocking positions, which can occur in only the relative movement in onedirection of the first and second members, and the phantom circleillustrates the never reached relaxed position of the installedresilient locking component, i.e. the third member of this three memberembodiment;

FIG. 3 through 8, are respective changing sequential partial sectionalviews of a portion of a preferred embodiment having three components,also referred to as three members, as somewhat similarly illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2. The second member, also called the engagement component,which has multiple partial receiving volumes, each with a cam surface,to guide and to partially receive the third member into the respectiveincremental locking positions, which can occur in only the relativemovement in one direction, is illustrated as moving relative to thefirst member. During this sequential movement, the locking component,i.e. the third member, is directed out of the locking position and thensubsequently cleared to resiliently return, via the stored energythereof, to reach the next locking position of this sequentialincremental movement of the second member with respect to the firstmember;

As noted in reviewing FIGS. 1 through 8, when the unlocking commencesand continues, both the first and second members work together to guide,force, manipulate, and control, the resilient and deflectable lockingmember. At this time, both the first and second members are applyingforces on the same side of the cross section area of the length of theresilient and deflectable locking member as noted in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1Cand 1D;

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate how a preferred embodiment of the fastenerassembly, shown essentially in FIGS. 1 through 8, is used in otherassemblies comprising respective tie down systems which anchor shearwalls on wood frame constructed buildings, to resist uplift forcescaused by earthquakes and high winds, with FIG. 9 being a partialelevational view, partially in section, showing the installed relativepositioning of the fastener assembly members and their respectiveconnections to other parts of the tie down system, and with FIG. 10 alsobeing the same presentation, except showing a subsequent time when thewood, i.e. lumber, of the building, has undergone shrinkage and/orcompression, and the fastener assembly has automatically adjusted tokeep the tie down system completely effective;

FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 illustrate how a preferred embodiment of thefastener assembly shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, is used in a respectivetie down system, respectively, in a one story building of FIG. 11, a twostory building of FIG. 12, and a three story building of wood frameconstruction;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the separated three membersof the preferred embodiment of the fastener assembly, which is arrangedin cylindrical components and which is utilized in other assemblies,such as the tie down system illustrated in FIGS. 9 through 13, showingsecond, third and first members, i.e. the engagement, locking andreceiver components;

FIGS. 15 and 16 are schematic partial sectional views indicating how athree member embodiment is arranged respectively, when the first member,i.e. the receiver component, is formed on an arc, and the full receivingvolumes are on the convex surface thereof, and the partial receivingvolumes of the second member, i.e. the engagement component, are on thearcuate concave surface thereof, as shown in FIG. 15, and then in FIG.16, these convex and concave surfaces are of the opposite configurationof the arcuate cooperating surfaces;

FIGS. 17 through 20 are schematic partial sectional views illustratinghow the first member, of a three member embodiment, is composed of twosections, with one section being movable with respect to the othersection, to create a changing full receiving volume thereof;

FIGS. 21 through 24 are schematic partial sectional views illustratinghow the second member, of a three member embodiment, is composed of twosections, with one section being movable with respect to the othersection, to create a changing partial receiving volume;

FIGS. 25 through 32 illustrate how the three member embodiment of thefastener assembly is utilized with an assembly for both quicklyassembling two elongated threaded rods or bolts, without relativelyrotating these rods, and yet by a limited rotation of a jam nut on onerod, the rods soon thereafter are separated, without relatively rotatingthese rods, with FIG. 25 showing in partial sectional view how thefemale member on one rod, serves as the first member to position and tofully receive the third member, FIG. 26 showing in a sectional partialenlargement the positioning of the first and third members; FIG. 27showing in a partial sectional view how the male member on the otherrod, serves as the second member to position and to partially receivethe third member; FIG. 28 showing in a sectional partial enlargement thepositioning of the second member, which has two sections that are movedtogether and apart; FIG. 29, showing in a partial sectional view how themale member has been inserted in the female member, resulting in theirlocking together, and consequently securing the rods together; FIG. 30,showing in a sectional partial enlargement the positioning of the first,second and third members when the locking has been undertaken; FIG. 31,showing how a jam nut has been rotated to change the configuration ofthe two part second member and thereby change the configuration of thepartial receiving volume, to move the third member fully into the fullreceiving volume of the first member, and thereby allowing the quicknon-rotating pulling apart of the rods; and, FIG. 32, showing in asectional partial enlargement, the positioning of the first, second andthird members which then allow the separation of the rods;

FIGS. 33 through 35 illustrate a three member embodiment of the fastenerassembly, arranged in cylindrical form, with the third member, i.e.locking component being externally adjustable to adjust the resilientforce thereof, and to thereby clear the locking component from thelocking position thereof, with FIG. 33 being a partial cross sectionalview, FIG. 34 being a top view, and FIG. 35 being a side view, withhidden lines being used specially in FIGS. 34 and 35 to illustrate theinterior arrangements of the three members;

FIGS. 36, 37,and 38 illustrate a three member embodiment of the fastenerassembly, arranged in a substantially planar form, with the thirdmember, i.e. locking component, being externally adjustable to adjustthe resilient force thereof, and to thereby clear the locking componentfrom the locking position thereof, with FIG. 36 being a top view, FIG.37 being an end view, and FIG. 38 being a side view, with hidden linesbeing used in these figures to illustrate the interior arrangements ofthe three member assembly;

FIGS. 39 and 40 in partially sectional views illustrate an embodimenthaving four members of the fastener assembly, arranged with othermembers to make an overall winch-type gear system, and the fourth memberis a resilient positioning member, which positions several alike thirdmembers, which are non-resilient locking components; with FIG. 39 beinga partial sectional view, and FIG. 40 being a side view, with hiddenlines being used in these figures to illustrate the interiorarrangements of the four member assembly and portions of winch-type gearsystem;

FIG. 41 is a partially sectional view illustrating an embodiment havingfour members of the fasteners assembly, arranged with other members tomake an overall spur gear and main gear of a drive system, and thefourth member is resilient positioning member, which positions severalalike third members, which are non-resilient locking components;

FIGS. 42 through 47 are related perspective views, with phantom linesshowing the pre-positioning and post-positioning of a first member, andmotion arrows to indicate assembly and disassembly movements of thefirst and second members, in this illustrated embodiment, which isconveniently placed at a selected location on an extended threaded tierod, by having the first member made in two halves of a cylinder; and,

FIG. 48 is a perspective view with phantom lines showing thepre-positioning and post-positioning of a second member, and motionarrows to indicate assembly and disassembly movements of the secondmember, in this illustrated embodiment, which is conveniently placed ata selected location on an extended member of circular cross section, byhaving the second member made with an axial directed opening, whichaccommodated the pre-positioning of the second member about the extendedmember of circular cross section.

A GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The fastener assemblies illustrated in the figures of the drawings, haveat least three members. When the third member is not resilient, then afourth member which is resilient is included in the fastener assembly.These respective fastener assemblies, in their various embodiments, maythemselves be a product or they may be combined with other members andassemblies to become another product, which in turn may be an endproduct, or yet may be installed with other members and assemblies tobecome another product.

The fastener assemblies are arranged in cylindrical, arcuate and planarembodiments, and the third member, also referred to as the lockingcomponent, is provided in many shapes in respect to the many embodimentsof the fastener assembly.

Each embodiment of the fastener assembly has a first member, alsoreferred to as a receiver component, which has a full receiving volumewith a cam surface, to guide and to fully receive the third member.Also, each embodiment of the fastener assembly has a second member, alsoreferred to as the engagement component, which has a partial receivingvolume, with a cam surface to guide and to partially receive the thirdmember.

The third member, serving as the locking component, either by resiliencythereof, or if not resilient, then by the resiliency of the fourthmember, is always being directed into the locking position thereof. Whenthe third member is in the locking position, the third member is locatedin both the partial receiving volume of the second member, and the fullreceiving volume of the first member.

When the third member is in this locking position, the respectivevolumes are so formed in their respective overall angular positions andcontours, that the closely spaced first and second members, whileconfining the third member, i.e., the locking component, will not moveunder any applied force in one relative movement direction thereof.However, when they are moved in the other relative movement directionthereof, under a sufficient applied force, the first and second memberswill move, as the third member is temporarily moved by the action of thefirst and second members, to be entirely within the full receivingvolume of the first member.

In a fastener completed as a product, or incorporated into otherproducts, additional arrangements are made for additional receivingvolumes, of either or both of the first and second members, and also insome embodiments, for additional third members, so the relativemovements of the first and second members are incremental in the onedirection. Yet at all times, any alternated movement of the first andsecond members in the opposite direction is not possible, unless, in aparticular embodiment of the fastener assembly, the resilient member ispositioned to be accessible in part, to receive an outside appliedintentional force, which keeps the resiliency created return force frombeing effective in keeping the third member in the locking positionthereof.

The Three Member Embodiment

The fastener assembly 10, in the three member embodiment 12, isillustrated in FIGS. 1 through 8, to show a preferred arrangements of atleast the minimal portions of at least three members, and how therespective relative movements thereof occur, during the sequences oftheir locking, in the presence of a relative force applied in onedirection, and their incremental movement, in the presence of a relativeforce applied in the other direction. The assembly 10 may be colorcoded.

The first member 14 is oriented in some instance longitudinally axiallyand in others arcuately or circularly and, also called the receivercomponent 14, has a full receiving volume 16, with a cam surface 18,arranged on a bias, i.e., on an angle, so cam surface 18 is effective inguiding the movement of the third member 20 showing a center line C,also called the locking component, into and out of the full receivingvolume 16. A third member 20 is circular-in-cross-section and may be aball, ring or a roller or the like and must be in cross-section at leastabout 0.0005 inches less than the diameter and/or width of the firstmember 14 receiving volume 16. The receiving volume 16 is of “fish hook”configuration. The end of the “fish hook” is preferably a straight linetangent 21 parallel to surface 18 and ending in a point P.

The second member 22 which is oriented in some instances longitudinallyaxially and in others arcuately circularly and in a direction parallelto the first member, and also called the engagement component, has apartial receiving volume 24 of semi-teardrop shape, with a cam surface26, arranged on a bias, i.e., on an angle, so the cam surface 26 iseffective in guiding the movement of the third member into and out ofthe locking position, in conjunction with the cam surface 28 on thefirst member 14. First and second members 14 and 24 have parallellongitudinal axis and have complimentary volumes when positionedadjacent each other.

During the assembly of the first member 14 and the second member 22, thethird member 20 circular in cross-section is confined by them. The firstand second members each having a planar surface 28 and 30, which afterassembly, are parallel to one another and slightly spaced apart. Therespective entrances 32 and 34, of the receiving volumes 16 and 24 arelocated in these respective planar surfaces 28 and 30. The three members14, 20 and 22 may be of different material such as plastic metal, etc.Some resiliency may be provided, but third member 20 should have onlyslight resiliency to avoid collapse under pressure. It is important thatat least one of the first and second members 14 and 22 should have somemalleability and that third member 20 should be of harder material. Whenmember 20 is positioned in locked mode on members 14 and 22, member 20causes indenting of at least the one of the members 14 and 22 thusincreasing the contact area and load conveying ability of the assembly.

A portion 36 of the partial receiving volume 24 of the second member 22is curved to complementary receive a curved portion of the third member20, which preferably has a circular cross section 38.

In FIG. 1A, the locked position is illustrated of the fastener assembly10. The third member, during the locking position, is positioned by thiscurved portion 36 and the cam surface 26 of the second member, and thecam surface 18 of the first member.

At this locked position time of the first and second members, thetransverse distance A measured in the angular combined receiving volumes16 and 24, and extending between the middle 36 of the curved portion 38of the second member 22 and the cam surface 18 of the first member 14,is long enough to accommodate the circular cross section of the thirdmember 20 having volume 40, i.e., the locking component 20. Thistransverse distance A is greater than the parallel transverse distanceB, measured in the angular combined receiving volumes 16 and 24, andextending between the terminus 42 of the curved portion 38 at the planarsurface 30 of the second member 22, and the cam surface of the firstmember 14. This parallel transverse distance B is not long enough toaccommodate the circular cross section of the third member 20 havingvolume 40, i.e. the locking component 20, and therefore, the thirdmember 20 is confined in the locking position thereof.

When the third member 20, i.e. the locking component, is in this lockingposition, the first and second members 14 and 22, will not essentiallymove relative to one another, in respect to one direction of theirrelative movement, regardless of the force applied, short of a fullydestructive force. However, if a sufficient force is applied in theopposite relative direction, as indicated by the motion arrows in FIG.1A, then the first and second member 14 and 22 will move relative to oneanother. When this wanted movement occurs, when a designed or specifiedsufficient force is applied, the respective cam surface 26 of the secondmember and the cam surface 18 of the first member are effective indirecting the third member 20 into the full receiving volume 16 of thefirst member 14.

The restrictive transverse distance B is eliminated during thisdirection of the intended relative movement of the first and secondmembers.

In FIG. 1A, the angle between the planar surface 28 of the first member14 and the cam surface 18 of the first member 14 is preferably 45degrees in a range of 10 degrees to 85 degrees. The angle between theplanar surface 30 of the second member 22 and the cam surface 26 of thesecond member 22 is preferably 25 degrees, in a range of 10 degrees to85 degrees. The selection of these respective selected angles, resultsin the positioning of the respective cam surfaces 18 and 26, so theyeffectively guide the third member 20 into and out of the lockingposition. The angular cam surfaces 18 and 26 continue until reaching therespective tangent locations 44 and 46, with a curved portion 36 of thepartial receiving volume 24, and the preferably half circle portion 48at the terminus of the full receiving volume 16.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the three members of the fastener assembly 10,in respect to this embodiment 12, are altered so the second member 22,the engagement component 22, has additional partial receiving volumes24, spaced from one another. Therefore, the wanted relative directionalmovements are incremental between the times when the locking component20, i.e. the third member 20, reaches another spaced locking position.

As illustrated by the phantom circular lines in FIG. 2, if the thirdmember 20 could expand freely again, this position would be reached. Inthis embodiment of three members, the third member 20 must be aresilient member, and always trying to move into the locking positionwhen the third member 20, the locking component 20, is confined by boththe receiving volumes 16 and 24, of the respective first and secondmembers 14 and 22.

The incremental movement between two locking positions of this threemember embodiment 12 of the fastener assembly 10 is illustrated in therespective sequences shown in FIGS. 3 through 8. In FIG. 3, the lockinghas occurred in respect to particular first partial receiving volume 24,and then the sequential movements are shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7,with FIG. 8 showing the nest locking occurring in respect to a secondpartial receiving volume 24, which then is cooperating with the fullreceiving volume 16 of the first member. It is necessary that the volume16 is always in contact with a volume 24 during incremental movements.This allows for proper displacement while maintaining structuralstrength during earthquakes, etc.

In other embodiments, there are additional full receiving volumes 16 andadditional third members 20, i.e. locking members 20, to meet differentrequirements and specification for different products in which thefastener assembly 10 is utilized.

The Utilization of the Fastener Assembly in the Construction of WoodFramed Buildings

The fastener assembly 10 arranged in the three member embodiment 12illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 9, and as described in reference to thesefigures, is further illustrated in another embodiment modification,which is cylindrical arranged and combined with other components tobecome a tie down system 50 for wood frame structures, as shown in FIGS.9 through 14.

In FIG. 9, tie down 50 is shown, only in part, after the initialinstallation of an automatically adjusting assembly 52 centering on theutilization of the fastener assembly 10, arranged in a three memberembodiment 12, arranged in an overall cylindrical form. In FIG. 10, thisportion, in respect to this assembly 52 of the tie down system 50, isshown after the expected life of automatic adjustments to compensate forthe shrinkage and compression of the wood frame structural components.

This portion, in respect to this assembly 52, of the tie down system 50is illustrated in FIG. 11 in use in a portion of a one story building 54having wood frame structural components 56. This automatically adjustingassembly 52 is shown in FIG. 12 in use in a portion of a two storybuilding 58 having wood frame structural components 56. Also thisassembly 52 and another assembly 52 are illustrated in FIG. 13 in use ina portion of a three story building 60. Beside components 56, andextending therefrom at the top thereof, are reinforcing studs Sextending from cross beam B downward to member 68 and engaging thesurface thereof. Similarly reinforcing stud members S1 and S2 extendupwardly from the foundation 64 to member 68. In this manner, fastenerassembly 10 is positioned between the cross beam B and foundation 64. Thstuds S, S1 and S2 prevent lateral buckling of the shear wall components56.

The automatically adjusting assembly 52, as particularly illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10, is positioned about a threaded tie rod 62, which isessentially continuous from a selected high starting position in arespective wood structure building 54, 58 or 60, down to an anchorcoupling tie-in securement 63 such as a nut N with the concrete or thelike foundation 64 of the respective building. The threaded tie rod 62,via this automatically adjusting assembly 52, which includes thefastener assembly 16, is automatically adjustably secured to a selectedwood member, such as a transverse member called a plate or ceiling beam66, and/or to another transverse wood member 68, specially positionedand interconnected with other wood frame structural components 56.

The threaded tie rod 62, via the original connections made and thesubsequent adjustments to be automatically made with respect to the woodframe structural components 56, via the utilization of one or more ofthese automatically adjusting assemblies 52, is always ready towithstand any possible earthquake and/or wind forces that might occur,and thereby protect the building.

In FIG. 9, the automatically adjusting assembly 52 is shown after theinstallation thereof, before any compression of the wood has occurred,and before the shrinkage of the wood has occurred because of the dryingof the wood. At a location of a transverse wood member 68, a metal basemember 70 of this automatically adjusting assembly 52 is secured to thistransverse wood member 68. Previously, the second member 22, i.e. theengagement member 22, made of metal, has been secured to this metal baseor plate 70. Plate 70 of metal is engaged by metal member 22 whichrotates thereon thereby eliminating destructive torque on the woodmember or beam 68. Also previously, the first member 14, made of metal,after the placement of two third members 20, each formed as an almostcomplete resilient metal locking ring or component 20, as illustrated inFIG. 14, has been assembled with the second member, as shown in FIG. 9.

The spaced full receiving volumes 16, of the first member 14, i.e. thereceiving component 14, have received the respective two lockingcomponents 20, i.e. the two resilient third members 20. Also, therespective lower positioned spaced partial receiving volumes 24 of thesecond member 22, i.e. the engagement component 22, have also received aportion, or are about to receive a portion, of a respective resilientthird member 20, i.e. a respective locking component 20.

This automatically adjusting assembly 52 also includes a nut 72threadably secured to the threaded tie rod 62 and positioned a designeddistance above the second member 22, i.e. the engagement component 22,to initially position a fully compressed coil spring 74 about thethreaded tie rod 62, while this spring is axially confined between thenut 72 and the second member 22, i.e. the engagement member.

After the wood frame structural components 56 of a wood frameconstructed building have been in place over a period of time, they movebecause of shrinkage and/or compression of the wood and other buildingmaterials. To compensate for this movement, the automatically adjustingassemblies 52 do adjust, as illustrated in FIG. 10. The top locatedspaced partial receiving volumes 24 of the second member 22, i.e. theengagement member 22, are then serving to receive the third members 20,i.e. the locking component 20.

Then to compensate for the changing, now larger distance, between thenut 72 and the second member 22, i.e. the engagement member 22, thecoiled spring 74 axially extends, yet the take up force created by thecoiled spring 74 remains sufficient to keep the overall tie down system50 firmly in place to quickly react to any possible occurring forcecaused by an earthquake and/or a wind force. It is to be noted in FIG.13 that the fastener assemblies 10 in the multiple floor unit actuateindependently of each other to take care of differential changes in eachfloor maintaining a firm tie down for each floor while operating onthreaded tie rods 62 coupled in linear fashion by couples N.

Other Embodiments of the Fastener Assembly Arranged with Three Members

Other embodiments of the fastener assembly 10 centering on thecooperation of essentially the three members, i.e. the first member 14,also called the receiver component 14, the second member 22, also calledthe engagement 22, and the third member 20, also called the lockingcomponent 20, which in this three member embodiment must be a resilientthird member 20, are illustrated essentially schematically in therespective partial sectional views of FIGS. 15 through 24.

The first and second members 80 and 82, are formed in complementaryarcuate portions, as illustrated in FIG. 15. The first member 80 has aconvex surface 84, interrupted by the full receiving volumes 86. Thesecond member 82 has a concave surface 88, interrupted by the partialreceiving volumes 90. The locking components 20, i.e. the third member20, have a circular cross section.

In FIG. 16, the first and second members 92 and 94 are also formed incomplementary arcuate portions. However, the arcs are oppositelyarranged. The first member 92 has a concave surface 96 interrupted bythe full receiving volumes 98. The second member 94 has a concavesurface 100 interrupted by the partial receiving volumes 102. Thelocking components 20, i.e. the third member 20, have a circular crosssection.

The first member 104 is formed in two sections 106 and 108, which aremovable relative to one another, to thereby change the configuration ofthe full receiving volume 110, as illustrated in FIGS. 17 through 20.The second member 112 and the partial receiving volume 114 thereofremain similar in respect to other embodiments. The third member 20, thelocking component 20, remains circular in cross section. In FIG. 17, thelocking component 20 is positioned ready to create a lock. In FIG. 18,the locking position is shown. In FIG. 19, the locking component 20 isnot locking and is being carried in the full receiving volume 110. InFIG. 20, the locking component 20 is being positioned to be quicklymoved into the locking position thereof.

In FIGS. 21 through 24, the second member 116, is shown formed in twosections 118 and 120, which are movable relative to one another, tothereby change the configuration of the partial receiving volume 122.The first member 124 and the full receiving volume 126 thereof remainsimilar in respect to other embodiments. The third member 20, thelocking component 20, remains circular in cross section. In FIG. 21, thelocking component 20 is near the locking position thereof. In FIG. 22,the locking component 20 is in the locking position. In FIGS. 23 and 24,the locking component 20 is fully positioned in the full receivingvolume 126 and is thereby kept out of the locking position.

These schematic views in FIGS. 15 through 24, indicate selected variousembodiments of the fastener assembly 10, which have the three members,with the third member 20 being a resilient locking component 20.

An Assembly of Components which Include a Fastening Assembly of ThreeMembers with the Second Member Having Two Sections, is Arranged to be aQuick Insert and Also a Reasonbly Quick Release Overall Fastener, toJoin Together Respective Ends of Rods, Such as the Tie-Rods of a HoldDown System of a Wood Structure

The fastener assembly 10, in respect to the three member embodiments,has many applications where this fastener assembly 10 is combined withother assemblies, in turn serving many dynamic and/or statisticinstallations. In respect to one of these applications, illustrated inFIGS. 23 through 31, where elongated members, such as threaded tie-rods62, are to be joined end for end to thereby create a longer threadedtie-rods 62, the fastener assembly 10 is connection to a larger assemblyof components 128 to create an overall connector 129. When using thisoverall connector 129, to join the threaded tie-rods 62 together, allthe motion that is required is an in-line axial quick movement of therespective ends of the threaded tie-rods 62 together. There is no needto rotate any parts during these securement operations. Then when arelease is wanted, only a nut is first turned through a few limitedturns, and then a quick in line reverse axial movement of the respectiveends of the threaded tie-rods 62 is undertaken to quickly separate therespective threaded tie-rods 62.

The first member 130, also called a female member 130, has a fullreceiving volume 16 positioning the resilient ring locking component 20,i.e. the resilient third member 20. A nut 132 is used to secure thisfirst member 130 to the end of one of the threaded tie-rods 62, asillustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26.

The male assembly 134 to be inserted into the female member 130, has afirst nut 133 threaded on the other threaded tie-rods 62, followed bytwo sections 135 and 136, of the second member 138, and then followed bythe second nut 140. As the two sections 135 and 136 are moved relativeto one another, the partial receiving volume 142, they form, is changed,as illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28.

The respective threaded tie-rods 62, arranged with the respective femalemember 130 and the male assembly 134, are thereafter axially joined byusing axially directed forces, and they are then locked together, asillustrated in FIGS. 29 and 30.

If at a later time these threaded tie-rods 62 are to be separated, thefirst nut 133, also referred to as the jam nut 133, is turnedsufficiently to move the sections 135 and 136 of the second member 138together. When this occurs, the partial receiving volume 142 iseliminated sufficiently, so the locking component 20, i.e. the thirdmember 20, is completely received in the full receiving volume 16 of thefemale member 130, i.e. the first member, as illustrated in FIGS. 31 and32. Then a quick release axial pull separates the threaded tie-rods 62.

A Fastener Assembly Having the Three Basic Members is Arranged so theResilient Third Member May be Conveniently Manipulated From an OutsideLocation

When the fastener assembly 10 is arranged in three members and is joinedwith other components in some applications, there may be times when thefastener assembly 10 must be quickly released. An embodiment servingthis need illustrated in FIGS. 33, 34, and 35. The two alike lockingcomponents 144, serving as a resilient third members 144, have fingeraccessible portions 146, which extend through recesses 148 in the firstmember 14 and beyond into the open surrounding area to be fingermanipulated. When the finger accessible portions 146 are moved, thelocking portion of the third member 20 is temporarily eliminated.Thereafter, the first and second members 14 and 22 are axially quicklyseparated, also with whatever other components they are connected to,which are not illustrated.

A Fastener Assembly Having the Three Basic Members is Arranged in aPlanar Assembly

In FIGS. 36, 37 and 38, a fastener assembly 10 having the three basicmembers is arranged in a planar assembly 150. The second member 152 hasa central-through-passageway 154, and the partial receiving volumes 156are accessible from this passageway 154. The first member 158 isinserted in the second member 152 and has two full receiving curvedvolumes 160, which subsequently move relative to the partial receivingvolumes 156, and the lengths of the first member 158 and the secondmember 152 are the same. The third members 162, i.e. the lockingcomponents 162 are resilient and bow upwardly under tension, andresiliently flex between both the full receiving curved volumes 160 andthe multiple partial receiving volumes 156 during relative movement offirst and second members 152 and 158.

A Fastener Assembly Having Four Basic Members Arranged with OtherMembers to Create, for Example, a Winch Type Gear System, the FourthMember Being Required Because the Third Members are Not Resilient

As illustrated in FIGS. 39 and 40, a fastener assembly 10 having atleast four basic members, i.e. components, is arranged with othercomponents to be a winch-type gear system 168. The fourth member becomesthe resilient member which is used in positioning the non-resilientthird member, which is the locking component.

The drive gear 170 transmits power to the driven gear 172, viacomponents, which function as the components described previously as afastener assembly 10, and are in effect a fastening assembly 174 orconnecting assembly 174, positioned between the drive gear 170 and thedriven gear 172. The drive gear 170 has at the end periphery thereof thefirst member 176, which has the full receiving volumes 178. The drivengear 172 has at the interior circular structure thereof, the secondmember 180, which has the many partial receiving volumes 182. A circularspring 184 is positioned, within a circular volume 186, provided in thefirst member 176, to be in constant resilient contact with the lockingcomponents 188, i.e. the third member 188, which are cylindrical inshape, and positioned within each full receiving volume 178.

During clockwise movement of the driving gear 170, the lockingcomponents 188 move to be occupying space in both the full receivingvolumes 178 and the partial receiving volumes 182, and to thereby lockthe drive gear to the driven gear. During the counterclockwise movementof the driving gear 170, the locking components 188 are movedperiodically to be fully within the full receiving volumes 178, freeingthe driven gear 172 from the driving gear 170, via incrementalmovements.

Another Fastener Having Four Basic Members Arranged with Other Membersto Create, for Example, a Driving Spur Gear and a Larger Driven GearSystem or Assembly, the Fourth Member Being Required Because the ThirdMembers are Not Resilient

As illustrated in FIG. 41, a fastener assembly 10, having at least fourbasic members, i.e. four basic components, is arranged with othercomponents to be a driving spur gear and a larger driven gear system192. The peripheral structure 194 of the driving spur gear 196 is formedto serve as the first member 198, i.e. the receiver component 198,having the full receiving volumes 200. The peripheral structure 202 ofthe large driven gear 204 is formed to serve as the second member 206,i.e. the engagement component 206, having the partial receiving volumes208. The third member 210, the locking components 210, are cylindricalmembers which are not resilient. They are continuously being forced outof the full receiving volumes 200, by a circular spring 212, serving asthe fourth resilient member, which is positioned in a receiving volume214 of the driving spur gear 196. These third members 210 areconstrained from leaving the full receiving volumes 200, by a nonrotating circumferential guiding structure 216, also called a guidingrace 216. This guiding structure 216 is not a complete encirclement,thereby leaving an open circumferential distance, so the third members210 will be moved radially outwardly, under the force of the circularspring 212, i.e. the fourth member 212, to contact partial receivingvolumes 208 of the larger driving gear 204.

During the clockwise rotation of the driving spur gear 196, the thirdmembers 210, in their cylindrical form of locking components 210 aremoved, via the circular spring force, while guided by the cam surfacesof both the full and partial receiving volumes 200 and 208 to reachtheir respective sequential locking positions, thereby transmitting thedriving power to the larger driven gear 204, to rotate this gear 204 ina counterclockwise direction.

During the possible counterclockwise rotation of the driven ring gear196, the third members 210, are sequentially guided back into the fullreceiving volumes 200 against the force of circular spring 212, servingas the fourth member 212, and then there is essentially no clockwiserotation of the larger driven gear 204.

The Convenient Placement of an Embodiment on an Extended Threaded TieRod by Utilizing a First Member which is Made in Two Halves of Cylinder

As illustrated in FIGS. 42 through 47, the fastener assembly 10 isprovided in an embodiment 220 to facilitate the convenient placement, inless time, of this embodiment 220 at a selected location on an extendedthreaded tie-rod 62. The first member 222 is made of two alike cylinderhalves 224 and 226. They have internal threaded 228 to mate with theexternal threads 230 of the threaded tie-rod 62. They have the fullreceiving volumes 232 to subsequently receive respective lockingcomponents 234, during the positioning of this embodiment 220 at theselected location along the threaded tie-rod 62.

As shown in FIG. 42, the halves 224 and 226, first indicated by thephantom lines, are positioned independently, arriving from respectiveopposite directions, to be fitted or mated to the threaded tie-rod 62.Subsequently, respective split ring locking components 234 are axiallydirected over the mated 224 and 226 and positioned in the full receivingvolumes 232. Then s illustrated in FIGS. 43, 44, and 45, the secondmember 238, having partial receiving volumes 240, is axially directed toadvance to the respective overlapping positions in the illustrateddirection when axial relative movement is possible between the firstmember 222 and the second member 238. The split ring locking components234 and the second member 238 are pre-positioned on the extendedthreaded tie-rod 62 before it is installed in a selected location, notshown.

In the fully overlapping position shown in FIG. 45, which is thedesignated in-use position, the second member 238 of this embodiment issecurable to a member, not shown, which is supported at this locationalong the threaded tie-rod 62, when this positioning is no longerrequired at this in-use position, then the axial movement of the secondmember 238 is continued as shown in FIGS. 46 and 47. When the secondmember 2238 is cleared from the first member 222, the two alikecylindrical halves 224 and 226 are removed as indicated by the phantomlines FIG. 47.

The Convenient Placement of an Embodiment of Any Extended Member Havinga Circular Cross Section by Utilizing a Second Member which is Made withan Axially Directed Opening to Receive a Portion of the Extended Member

As illustrated in FIG. 48, an embodiment 244 is provided, wherein thefirst member 246, having a smooth internal surface 248, and pre-fittedwith locking components 234, received in full receiving volumes 232,along with other like sub assemblies 250, not shown, are placed about anextended member 252, having a circular cross section. At a selectedlocation along the extended member 252 the sub assembly 250 ispositioned on the extended member 252. Then the second member 254 havingpartial receiving volumes 240, and also having an axially directedopening 256, is moved to be positioned about the extended member 252.Thereafter, the second member 254 is moved axially for one way axialmovement relative to the first member 246 to fully receive the firstmember 246. At this selected location, another selected part, not shown,is often secured to the second member 254 during the fabrication ormanufacture of an overall product or assembly, not shown.

The Common Features and Common Objective Pertaining to All the VariousEmbodiments of the Fastener Assembly Serving as a Product Itself orIncorporated into Other Assemblies Serving as Products

Throughout the illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the directutilization of the fastener assembly 10 as a product, or theincorporation of the fastener assembly 10 in other products, theobjective are like or similar. Any sustained movement of a first memberrelative to a second member in one direction is essentially prevented,short of the unwanted forcible destruction of either or both the firstand/or second member. Whereas, the relative movement in the otherdirection of the first member and the second member, caused by anintended force, is sequentially controlled, when there is an activeforce being provided by a resilient member.

In some embodiments, when a special force is selectively used towithdraw the otherwise active force provided by the resilient member,during the designed time, then the unrestricted movement of the firstand second members in either relative direction is undertaken.

In some embodiments, the resilient members is the third member servingas the locking component. In other embodiments, the third member,serving as the blocking member, is not resilient and must be constantlydirected to the locking position thereof, by the resilient force createdby a fourth member.

In all embodiments, the first member has the full receiving volumes tofully receive, at sequential times, the third member serving as thelocking component. In all embodiments, the second member has the partialreceiving volumes to receive portions of the third member, when thelocking positions of the first, second, and third member occur.

When the relative motion is attempted in one direction, the lockingposition of the first, second, and third members occurs quickly andremains to keep the first and second members from moving relative to oneanother. When the relative motion is undertaken in the oppositedirection, the sequential periods of relative movements occur inreference to periods of forces being applied to move the first memberrelative to the second member.

While this invention has been described as having preferred design, itis understood that it is capable of further modification, uses and/oradaptations following in general the principle of the invention andincluding such departures from the present disclosure as come withinknown or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains,and as may be applied to the essential features set forth, and fallwithin the scope of the invention or the limits of the appended claims.

1. A building, comprising: a) first, second and third floors andrespective first, second and third ceilings; b) a foundation; c) a firststud wall extending between said second floor and said second ceiling;d) a second stud wall extending between said third floor and said thirdceiling; e) a first cross member operably secured to a pair of adjacentstuds in said first stud wall; f) a second cross member operably securedto a pair of adjacent studs in said second stud wall; g) a tie rodanchor anchored in said foundation; h) a series of interconnected tierods having one end secured to said tie rod anchor, said interconnectedtie rods extending through said second and third floors and through saidfirst and second cross members; i) first and second nuts secured to anintermediate portion and an end portion, respectively, of saidinterconnected tie rods and spaced upwardly from respective first andsecond bearing surfaces of said first and second cross members; and j)first and second springs under compression disposed between respectivesaid first and second bearing surfaces and said first and second nuts totend to expand and push apart said bearing surfaces and respective saidfirst and second nuts, thereby maintaining said interconnected tie rodsunder tension when a slack develops on said interconnected tie rods. 2.A building as in claim 1, and further comprising: a) first and secondreinforcing studs secured to said pair of adjacent studs in said firststud wall; b) third and fourth reinforcing studs secured to said pair ofadjacent studs in said second stud wall; c) said first cross member isconnected to said first and second reinforcing studs; d) said secondcross member is connected to said third and fourth reinforcing studs;and e) said first and second springs operably press down on respectivesaid first and second cross members.
 3. A building as in claim 2,wherein said first and second cross members each is spaced fromrespective said second and third floors and respective said second andthird ceilings.
 4. A building as in claim 1, wherein said first andsecond springs are helically disposed around said interconnected tierods.
 5. A building as in claim 1, wherein said first and second springsare conical.
 6. A building as in claim 1, and further comprising acoupler to secure said interconnected tie rods to said tie rod anchor.7. A building as in claim 1, and further comprising: a) first expandabledevice disposed between said first spring and said first bearingsurface, said first expandable device being urged by said first springto expand toward said first bearing surface to take up slack thatdevelops on said interconnected tie rods; and b) second expandabledevice disposed between said second spring and said second bearingsurface, said second expandable device being urged by said second springto expand toward said second bearing surface to take up slack thatdevelops on said interconnected tie rods.
 8. A building as in claim 7,wherein: a) said first and second expandable devices each includes alock that prevents respective said first and second expandable devicesfrom contracting after expansion.
 9. A building as in claim 7, whereinsaid first and second expandable devices each includes a bottom endengaging respective said first and second bearing surfaces and a top endengaging respective said first and second springs.
 10. A building as inclaim 7, wherein said first and second expandable devices each isexpandable only in a direction away from respective said first andsecond nuts.
 11. A building as in claim 7, wherein: a) said first andsecond expandable devices each includes a through opening; and b) saidinterconnected tie rods pass through said through opening.
 12. Abuilding as in claim 7, wherein said first and second expandable deviceseach comprises: a) a first member disposed within a second member; b)one of said first and second members is fixed relative to saidinterconnected tie rods; c) the other of said first and second member ismovable relative to said interconnected tie rods.
 13. A building as inclaim 12, wherein: a) said first member is threadedly secured to saidinterconnected tie rods; and b) said second member is biased byrespective said first and second springs to press against respectivesaid first and second bearing surfaces.
 14. A building as in claim 13,wherein respective said first and second springs are disposed betweenrespective said first and second nuts and said second member.
 15. Abuilding as in claim 13, wherein: a) said first and second members arecylindrical including first and second opposing cylindrical walls,respectively; b) said first cylindrical wall includes a first receivingvolume; c) said second cylindrical wall includes a plurality of secondreceiving volumes; d) a resilient member disposed between said first andsecond cylindrical walls, said resilient member is biased to occupy arespective said second volumes; e) said first receiving volume isconfigured in cross-section such that when said second member is axiallymoved downwardly relative to said first member, said resilient member isshifted into and fully received within said first volume, therebyallowing further downward movement of said second member; and f) saidsecond volumes are configured in cross-section such that when saidsecond member is moved axially upwardly relative to said first member,said resilient member is only partially received within a respectivesaid second volume, thereby precluding further upward movement of saidsecond member.
 16. A building as in claim 15, wherein: a) said firstvolume in cross-section includes an inclined first cam surface; b) eachof said second volumes in cross-section includes an inclined second camsurface; and c) said first and second cam surfaces when disposedopposite each other form an inverted V-shape.
 17. A building as in claim15, wherein said resilient member is circular in cross-section.
 18. Abuilding as in claim 17, wherein said resilient member when partiallyreceived within said respective second volume has less than half of itscross-sectional area received in said respective second volume.
 19. Abuilding as in claim 15, wherein said plurality of second receivingvolumes are identical to each other in cross-section.
 20. A building asin claim 15, wherein said resilient member is of a harder material thanat least one of said first and second members.
 21. A building as inclaim 1, wherein said first cross member is spaced from said secondfloor.
 22. A building as in claim 1, wherein said second cross member isspaced from said third floor.
 23. A building, comprising: a) first,second and third floors and respective first, second and third ceilings;b) a foundation; c) a first stud wall extending between said secondfloor and said second ceiling; d) a second stud wall extending betweensaid third floor and said third ceiling; e) a cross member operablysecured to a pair of adjacent studs in said second stud wall; f) a tierod anchor anchored in said foundation; g) a series of interconnectedtie rods having one end secured to said tie rod anchor, saidinterconnected tie rods extending within said first and second studwalls through said second and third floors and through said crossmember; h) first and second nuts secured to an intermediate portion andan end portion, respectively, of said interconnected tie rods; and i)first and second springs under compression disposed between said firstnut and a member of said first stud wall, and between said second nutand said cross member, respectively, to tend to maintain saidinterconnected tie rods under tension when a slack develops on saidinterconnected tie rods.
 24. A building, comprising: a) first, secondand third floors and respective first, second and third ceilings; b) afoundation; c) a first stud wall extending between said second floor andsaid second ceiling; d) a second stud wall extending between said thirdfloor and said third ceiling; e) a tie rod anchor anchored in saidfoundation; f) a series of interconnected tie rods having one endsecured to said tie rod anchor, said interconnected tie rods extendingwithin said first and second stud walls through said second and thirdfloors; and g) said interconnected tie rods being secured atintermediate and end portions thereof to said second stud wall and saidsecond stud wall, respectively, thereby to provide a straight load pathto said foundation further comprising first and second nuts secured tosaid intermediate portion and said end portion, respectively, of saidinterconnected tie rods, said first and second nuts are operablyconnected to said first and second stud walls, respectively, to tie saidfirst and second stud walls to said foundation, further comprising firstand second loaded springs operably associated with respective said firstand second nuts, and respective said first and second stud walls tomaintain said interconnected tie rods under tension when a slackdevelops on said interconnected tie rods.
 25. A building as in claim 24,and further comprising: a) a first cross member operably secured to saidfirst stud wall; b) said first nut is operably associated with a firstbearing surface of said first cross member; and c) said first spring isdisposed between said first nut and said first bearing surface.
 26. Abuilding as in claim 25, and further comprising: a) reinforcing studsoperably secured to said first stud wall; and b) said first cross memberis connected to said reinforcing studs.
 27. A building as in claim 24,and further comprising: a) a second cross member operably secured tosaid second stud wall; b) said second nut is operably associated with asecond bearing surface of said second cross member; and c) said secondspring is disposed between said second nut and said second bearingsurface.
 28. A building as in claim 27, and further comprising: a)reinforcing studs operably secured to said second stud wall; and b) saidsecond cross member is connected to said reinforcing studs.